The Stolen Heir by Holly Black is the first book in a new fantasy duology set in the world of Elfhame, which Black also uses in her popular Folk of the Air series.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect
- A Reluctant Prince: The story follows Oak, the younger brother of Jude Duarte, the protagonist of the Folk of the Air series. Oak is not interested in the responsibilities of being a prince and would rather spend his time exploring the wild places of Elfhame.
- A Runaway Queen: The other main character is Suren, a powerful faerie queen who has been cast out of her homeland. She's a complex character with her own motivations and goals.
Quest for the Throne
- Oak and Suren's paths collide, and they find themselves on a quest together. Their goal is to reclaim Suren's throne, but their reasons for doing so are different.
- The journey will likely take them through various dangerous and magical locations within Elfhame.
- They might encounter other faerie creatures and characters familiar from the Folk of the Air series.
Uncertainties and Tensions
- The story explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly between Oak and Jude, whose bond was strained in the previous series.
- There's likely to be tension and mistrust between Oak and Suren, as they come from different backgrounds and have different goals.
- The political intrigue of Elfhame plays a role, as different factions vie for power.
Why You Should Read This Book
- Return to Elfhame: If you enjoyed Holly Black's Folk of the Air series, you'll be excited to return to the magical world of Elfhame and explore new corners of it.
- Dual Protagonists: The story offers a fresh perspective by following two unique characters, each with their own struggles and motivations.
- Political Intrigue and Action: The fast-paced plot with its quest narrative and potential for political machinations promises an exciting read.
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